Barbados Food and Rum Festival launched with flavour and flair

The 14th edition of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival was officially launched on Saturday at Golden Square Freedom Park, offering a mouth-watering preview of what’s to come with culinary delights prepared by some of the island’s top chefs.

The highly anticipated festival, which takes place from November 6 – 9, 2025, will be held under the theme Barbados is on the Menu.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Carol Roberts, said the theme represents more than branding.

CEO of the NCF, Carol Roberts

She described the theme as a commitment to celebrating the essence of Bajan cuisine and showcasing the flavours that define the island.

Highlighting Barbados as the undisputed culinary capital of the Caribbean, Roberts added:
“Our celebration honours our island’s rich culinary traditions while embracing the bold, modern twists brought to life by our nation’s top award-winning chefs.”

Among the returning highlights is the popular breakfast beach party Rise and Rum, which will once again be held at Copacabana Beach Club. The Liquid Gold Feast will take place at Carifesta House, Waterford, St Michael.

A new addition to this year’s calendar is the Community Cook-Off Competition, which will feature representatives from each parish mentored by chefs from the festival’s official team. Following an elimination round, six finalists will compete for the title of Barbados’ best community cook.

“We are looking for the best community cook in Barbados,” Roberts declared, revealing that a total of $15 000 in prize money will be awarded to the top three competitors.

Competition Coordinator Judith Giovine said the initiative honours community spirit and culinary heritage by showcasing local ingredients, farmers, and the passion of home cooks and amateur chefs who bring pride and flavour to Bajan cuisine.

COO of the BTMI, Cheryl Carter

Chief Operating Officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Cheryl Carter, emphasised the festival’s cultural and economic significance.

“This is not simply a festival, it really is a platform through which we tell our story of heritage, innovation and excellence, and through which we invite the world to connect with our people, the true essence of Barbados.”

Carter noted that the festival is attracting strong international interest, with travel groups booking specifically for the event as global teams promote not just Barbados as a destination, but the island’s cultural essence through its cuisine.

Culinary Coordinator, Henderson Butcher, unveiled the 2025 lineup and announced the return of several globally recognised Barbadian chefs.
“For the first time ever, we are being joined by an all-star cast of international Bajan chefs, sons and daughters of the soil who have taken their talents abroad but whose hearts have never left home,” he said.

Among the featured chefs are Chef Jason Howard, Chef Renee Blackman, and Chef Michael Harrison. (STT)